Sunday, June 22, 2014

You have to taper- so taper like you mean it!

I hear it all the time:"I just can't taper, it makes me crazy." "I don't know what to do with myself if I can't run (ride, swim, workout)""Tapering is for sissies. Who needs to taper?"

I love the taper. Damn- it reminds me that I actually have a life!
I sleep past 4 a.m. for shorter runs and replace that 2nd daily workout with a nap.
I cook rich foods and eat until I am full and satisfied.
I call and catch up with friends, or set out to the porch to finish those half-read books.
I watch bad "Teen Disney" movies and snuggle with my kids.
I give the extra 30 minutes my massage therapist has been begging me for,
and allow my body to receive much needed repair time.
I write, and plan, and paint mental pictures for each mile.

And when all of that extra energy builds to a paramount climax -
the horse gets let out of the barn for an epic race day.

1 comment:

You're right, Jenn. Tapering things a bit helps your body recover and could even possibly improve your performance. All of the things that you're doing such as taking naps, eating the right food, getting longer massages, and even snuggling with your kids buys time for your body to repair itself. Having a well-rested and well-conditioned body beats anyone who is well-conditioned but is suffering from injuries. Take care!